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Next option, how about the TRP CX 8.4 or 9 or similar mini v system. Anyone using a mini v with STI shifters? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'm just trying to find the right brake set up for loaded touring while still holding out the chance of riding with brifters.

Why not just use Travel Agents with regular V-brakes and STI? They work fine IMO. I've also used Avid Shorty cantis with STI levers and they work well (I'm running this setup in my tandem and it has plenty of stopping power).

Thank you briwasson. I realized after my last post that I may be falling into the trap of too much information. One thread here or there mentioning the shortcomings or attributes of a particular brake system. I think your input hits the nail on the head for me: You are running Avid Shortys on a tandem and they work well. Your feedback on shifters and brakes has been great and to the point. Almost everything else I can find on brakes involves xcross bikes.

No problems with Avids and racks / panniers?

Lots of decisions. I'm staring at this beautiful frame and can't wait to start the build. I really appreciate your input as I map out the components. Thanks again!

I have run Paul touring canits F+R on my BG BLT for many years. The original circa 1997 LX cantis howled. The Pauls worked much better, but I did originally have some trouble that was rectified by Paul shipping a specially toleranced part. I have used these extensively on loaded tours starting before the photos on http://tsteven4.qwestoffice.net/ and I used them today. I have been satisfied with their performance.

However, I have shimano BR-R550s on my BG R&R EX. These are the best brakes I have ever had and perform superior to the Pauls on the BLT, they have amazing stopping power. Perhaps it is something to do with the setup or differences between the bikes, but the 550s are excellent. But they are no longer made although you can find some on ebay.

The one issue with the 550s is that it is very difficult to pop the straddle cable which is a nice thing to do to get the tire out for repair. The Pauls error in the other way, it is easy to misalign the straddle cable where you pop it in. It never caused me a problem but I never tested it under extreme braking. I have found them to be misaligned at least once. This is an operator (or mechanic) error, but there is something to be said for not risking this potential failure mode.

I set up a bike with the Paul Touring Canti rear and Neo Retro front, controlled by Campy brifters. I found the rear brake a little weak for my tastes and was much happier after replacing it with another Neo Retro. On a 56cm CoMotion Nor'Wester tour with a Tubus Cargo rack I had no problems with the wider profile of the rear Neo Retro.